Local government authorities are separate entities created for a specific public purpose. Local governments create authorities as a means of providing a wide range of services to their citizens and have used them in increasing numbers to deliver services. Authorities are often better suited to deliver these services since they focus on one specific function, allowing a greater degree of concentrated effort in providing services. Financial considerations are also a very large part of the decision to provide services through an authority. As new programs are initiated, or new services required, the establishment of authorities may reduce the financial burden on cities and counties. Constitutional debt limitations are also an important reason for the increase in authorities since they are less restricted in their efforts to raise both capital construction and operating expenditure funds.